MIAMI (WSVN) - Orientation Day took place for South Florida students at one elementary school in regards to the first day back at school.

The last weekday before the first day means some last minute touch ups for some and jitters for others at Melrose Elementary. “I’m kind of feeling a little bit nervous about the whole year,” said seventh-grader Alexandria Sophia Armenteros.

Ready or not, Monday marks the start of a new school year. “A lot of excitement, a lot of choice, a lot of innovation, a lot of inspiration,” said Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

Carvalho told 7News that there is a lot to look forward to in Miami-Dade County, like new programs, foreign language material, raises for teachers and of course, new technology. “The old computers were a little outdated,” said sixth-grader Alexander Beowulf Armenteros. “They got glitchy, but these are new.”

“Students act, inform themselves, entertain themselves today in a different way than we did when we were their age,” Carvalho said. “They are hyper-connected human beings. This is the 21st century classroom.”

Every classroom at the elementary school will have a Promethean board — an interactive touchscreen.

Carvalho took a tour Friday of Melrose Elementary to check out the results of the $7.5 million project.

“I feel that the school’s getting better,” said 11-year-old Nashalie Gonzalez. “It’s having more opportunities for other kids to learn better.”

The renovations and additions is part of a $1.2 billion bond referendum that’s been helping complete school projects for four years.

Summer vacation also came to an end in Broward County. “It’s gonna be a busy day,” said Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie. “People should take caution at school zones, slow down, plan for some extra time to get to work.”

Parents and sixth-graders are anticipating the first day and gathered at Sunrise Middle School to pick up class schedules and to take a look around the school. It’s just one of many ways South Florida students and their families are preparing for those school days right around the corner.

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